Convertible vanity mirror assembly

ABSTRACT

In a convertible mirror assembly for a vehicle visor, a flexible mirror is operably coupled to a housing and is operable between first and second display states. A slider mechanism is slidably supported on the housing and operably coupled to the flexible mirror. The slider mechanism is adapted to move along the housing between retracted and extended positions, whereby the flexible mirror is in the first display state when the slider mechanism is in the retracted position, and in the second display state when the slider mechanism is in the extended position. When moved to the extended position, the slider mechanism urges the flexible mirror to an outwardly curved or convex configuration to define a conversation mirror configuration.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to vanity mirror disposed on anautomotive sun visor in a vehicle interior, and more particularly, to aconvertible mirror assembly that is operable between generally planarand curved configurations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automotive vehicles are commonly equipped with a pair of sun visorsgenerally connected to the roof or headliner forward of the driver andfront passenger seats. Each visor is typically connected via a pivotmechanism and may be actuatable between stowed and deployed positions toprovide shade from sunlight. The conventional visor typically includes aflat and rigid mirror disposed in a vanity mirror assembly. The vanitymirror assembly is generally installed on a selected side of the visorbody. Generally, the vanity mirror assembly includes a planar mirror andone or more vanity lights and lenses to provide lighting sufficient toenable a user to view a reflected image in the mirror. Some vehicleshave also employed conversation mirrors typically mounted on theoverhead console in an attempt to provide a means of viewing passengersseated in rear occupant positions for conversation and monitoringactivities in rear seats. Conversation mirrors are generally curvedmirrors that can be bulky for storing purposes

The present invention provides a mirror assembly that is operablebetween substantially planar and curved configurations to provide a botha standard mirror and a conversation mirror in one convertible mirrorassembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention includes a convertible mirrorassembly for a vehicle visor having a housing with a flexible mirroroperably coupled to the housing. A slider mechanism is operably coupledto both the housing and the flexible mirror. The slider mechanism isconfigured to move the flexible mirror between first and second displaystates. The flexible mirror is substantially planar in the first displaystate. Further, the flexible mirror is outwardly curved from the vehiclevisor in the second display state.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a convertible mirrorassembly for a vehicle visor having a visor body with first and secondsurfaces. A housing is disposed on the second surface and includes aflexible mirror disposed therein. A slider mechanism is slidablysupported along a portion of the housing and is configured to move theflexible mirror between first and second display states within thehousing. The flexible mirror is curved outwardly from the housing andthe second surface of the visor body when the flexible mirror is in thesecond display state.

Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a convertiblemirror assembly for a vehicle visor having a housing which includesupper and lower track members. A flexible mirror is disposed between theupper and lower track members of the housing. A slider mechanism isslidably supported on the upper and lower track members and isconfigured to move the flexible mirror between first and second displaystates within the housing. The flexible mirror defines a conversationmirror when the flexible mirror is in the second display state.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a passenger compartment of avehicle;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a passenger side portion of thepassenger compartment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a visor assembly having aconvertible mirror assembly in a first display state;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the visor assembly of FIG. 3 showingthe convertible mirror assembly in a second display state;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the mirror assembly of FIG. 3 takenalong line V; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the mirror assembly of FIG. 4 takenalong line VI.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the visor and lighting assembly as oriented inFIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assumevarious alternative orientations, except where expressly specified tothe contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices andprocesses illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in thefollowing specification are simply exemplary embodiments of theinventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specificdimensions and other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a vehicle 12 is shown which includes a frontwindshield 14 defined between left and right A-pillars 16 extending froma generally horizontal dash member 18 to a roof 20 of the vehicle 12. Anupper portion of the windshield 14 is bordered by a header 22 thatextends between the A-pillars 16. A headliner 24 is disposed over anddefines an interior trim surface of the header 22. In the illustratedembodiment, the headliner 24 also extends rearward concealing the roof20 of the vehicle 12 to further define the interior trim surface of thevehicle 12. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, an accessory compartment 26 iscentrally disposed on the header 22 between the left and right A-pillars16 and extends rearward on the interior surface of the headliner 24. Itis contemplated that the accessory compartment 26 may be elongated,alternatively shaped, or otherwise not included on the header 22.

As further shown in FIG. 1, a pair of visor assemblies 10 are pivotallycoupled to the header 22 and positioned on opposing sides of theaccessory compartment 26. More specifically, the visor assemblies 10 areattached to a forward portion of the roof 20 proximate an upper portionof the windshield 14, which includes the header 22 covered with theheadliner 24. Accordingly, one of the visor assemblies 10 is disposed ona driver's side of the vehicle 12 defined by the region having asteering wheel 28 and a driver's side seat 30. The other visor assembly10 is disposed on a passenger side of the vehicle 12 having a passengerside seat 32 and a glove compartment 34. Each visor assembly 10 includesa shade panel or visor body 40 that defines a main body portion of eachvisor assembly 10. It is contemplated that more than two visorassemblies 10 may be included in the vehicle 12, and further, the visorassemblies 10 may be alternatively oriented on the header 22 or otherinterior surfaces of the vehicle 12. For purposes of the presentdisclosure, the visor assembly 10 on the passenger side of the vehicle12 will be described with the understanding that the opposing driverside visor assembly 10, may include similar components.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the visor body 40 has a first end 42 and asecond end 44 with an intermediate portion 45 disposed therebetween. Asupport member 46 extends through an edge of the intermediate portion 45of the visor body 40 and includes an exposed portion 48 that isreleasably coupled to a clip member 50 disposed in the header 22. Thus,the second end 44 of the visor body 40 is retained by the clip member 50at the exposed portion 48 of the support member. At the first end 42 ofvisor body 40, a pivot point P is shown, wherein the support member 46is pivotally coupled with an outboard region of the header 22 proximatethe A-pillar 16 on the corresponding side of the vehicle 12. The pivotpoint P typically includes a frictional pivot joint attached to theheader 22, which allows the visor body 40 to maintain a fixed positionupon movement about the pivot point P. However, it is contemplated thatthe frictional pivot joint may be otherwise replaced with an alternativeconnection or be otherwise omitted. In the illustrated embodiment, thevisor body 40 is rotatable about the support member 46 between a stowedposition A, shown in phantom, to a deployed position B along a pathindicated by arrow C. This rotational movement allows an occupant toadjust the angle of the visor body 40 and also provides access to firstand second surfaces 40 a, 40 b of the visor body 40 as further describedbelow. The visor body 40 may be positioned at any intermediate positionbetween the stowed and deployed positions A, B, as well as otherpositions not illustrated. It is also contemplated that the visor body40 may be alternatively pivoted to the deployed position B about thepivot point P of the visor body 40 in conjunction with the frictionalpivot joint, opposed to rotating about the support member 46. The clipmember 50 is coupled with an inboard region of the header 22 proximatethe central region of the headliner 24 and the accessory compartment 26.The clip member 50 is configured to retain the second end 44 of thevisor body 40 to the headliner 24, permitting the visor body 40 torotate between the stowed and deployed positions A, B.

As noted above, the visor body 40 includes first and second surfaces 40a, 40 b. The first surface 40 a is exposed when the visor body 40 is inthe stowed position A, as shown in FIG. 1. The second surface 40 b isexposed when the visor body 40 is in the deployed position B, as shownin FIG. 2. As further shown in FIG. 2, the visor body 40 includes aconvertible mirror assembly 60 disposed on the second surface 40 b. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 2, the convertible mirror assembly 60 isgenerally centrally disposed on the visor body 40 at the intermediateportion 45, but may also be disposed near either the first or secondends 42, 44 of the visor body 40. The convertible mirror assembly 60 isconvertible having first and second display states as further describedbelow.

The convertible mirror assembly 60 may include a cover or lid. The lidmay be a pivoting lid or a sliding lid that substantially covers theconvertible mirror assembly 60 when in a closed position over theconvertible mirror assembly 60. The visor body 40 may be comprised of apolymeric material that provides for a polypropylene clamshell made upof structural outer surfaces, such as surfaces 40 a and 40 b, having acavity or hollow core disposed therebetween. The outer surfaces 40 a, 40b can be covered with a fabric material for aesthetic and comfortpurposes. The fabric covering may include a polyester fiber, accordingto one embodiment. The visor body 40 may also include a mountingaperture 47 for receiving the convertible mirror assembly 60. In theembodiment of FIG. 3, mounting aperture 47 is disposed on the secondsurface 40 b and opens into the hollow core of the visor body 40.Mounting aperture 47 may be integrally molded in the substrate of thevisor body 40, or may be otherwise formed such as by cutting orotherwise removing substrate material. It is further contemplated thatthe visor body 40 may include one or more lights for providing vanitylighting.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the convertible mirror assembly 60 isshown generally having a housing 62 received within the mountingaperture 47 in visor body 40. The housing 62 defines a frame or bezelthat may either fully or partially surround the mounting aperture 47 invisor body 40. The housing 62 may be a polymeric housing that is coveredby a fabric, or may be visible on the second surface 40 b as shown inFIG. 3. The housing 62 includes a track system 64 made up of upper andlower track members 66, 68. The upper and lower track members 66, 68 aregenerally parallel members which are spaced apart to define upper andlower portions of the housing 62. The housing 62 further includes firstand second side members 70, 72 which are disposed at opposite ends ofthe upper and lower track members 66, 68 to define a surround frame orbezel. In assembly, the upper and lower track members 66, 68 slidablysupport a slider mechanism 80 which is adapted to slide along a lengthof the housing 62. The slider mechanism 80 includes a handle portion 82having upper and lower ends 84, 86 which couple to the upper and lowertrack members 66, 68 respectively. It is contemplated that the slidermechanism 80 works in conjunction with the upper and lower track members66, 68 of the housing 62 in a manner similar to a sliding cover or lidfor a vanity mirror known in conventional mirror assemblies. As shown inFIG. 3, the handle 82 of the slider mechanism 80 is a rounded memberthat protrudes outwardly from the housing 62, such that the handle 82 iseasily engaged by a user for sliding along a length of the housing 62.In FIG. 3, the slider mechanism 80 is in a first position D adjacent thefirst side member 70 of the housing 62. The first position D isconsidered a retracted position for slider mechanism 80. From theretracted first position D, the slider mechanism can move or extend to asecond position E, as shown in FIG. 4, along a path as indicated byarrow F. In the second position E, the handle 82 of the slider mechanism80 has moved towards side member 72 of the housing 62 to an extendedposition. The slider mechanism 80 is retained in the housing 62 by theupper and lower track members 66, 68, between retracted and extendedpositions D, E.

As further shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a flexible mirror 90 is coupled tothe handle 82 of the slider mechanism 80 at a first end 92, and furthercoupled to second side member 72 of the housing 62 at an opposite andsecond end 94. The flexible mirror 90 includes a body portion 96 whichis flexible, thereby allowing the flexible mirror 90 to move between agenerally planar configuration G, as shown in FIG. 3, to a curved orconvex configuration H, as shown in FIG. 4. In the generally planarconfiguration G, as shown in FIG. 3, the flexible mirror 90 issubstantially flat and defines a vanity mirror that can be used by avehicle occupant to view a reflected image. The viewing range of thevanity mirror is generally limited and most often used by a vehicleoccupant to view their own reflected image in a close-up manner. In thecurved or convex configuration H, as shown in FIG. 4, the flexiblemirror 90 is curved outwardly from the housing 62 and visor body 40 todefine a conversation mirror that can be used by a vehicle occupant toview a reflected image. The term “conversation mirror,” as used herein,is defined as a mirror that provides a wide viewing angle to enable aviewer to view a larger area as compared to a flat vanity mirror. Theconversation mirror is shown and described herein as a mirror with aconvex surface to allow the view of a wide angle image, in contrast to aflat or planar mirror typically used in a visor vanity pack. In theconversation mirror configuration H, the flexible mirror 90 has acurvature, such as a convex shape, that offers wide angle viewing toenable a viewer, such as passenger seated in passenger seat 32, to viewobjects within a wide field of view, including other passengers seatedrearward in the vehicle 12, such as for conversation purposes and formonitoring children's activities to name a couple of examples. Accordingto the embodiment of FIG. 4, the flexible mirror 90 has a sphericalshape portion when in the conversation configuration H. In this way, theflexible mirror 90 of the present invention provides for first andsecond display states G, H within one convertible mirror assembly 60.

Being substantially planar, first display state G of the flexible mirror90 is low-profile and allows for easy stowing of the visor body 40 tothe stowed position A, as shown in FIG. 1. When the flexible mirror 90is in the second display state H, the body portion 96 of the flexiblemirror 90 is curved outwardly from the housing 62. Referring now toFIGS. 5 and 6, the convertible mirror assembly 60 is shown in first andsecond display states G, H, respectively. With specific reference toFIG. 5, the slider mechanism 80 shows the handle member 82 in theretracted position D, such that the flexible mirror 90, as coupledthereto, is in the generally planar first display state G. As notedabove, the first display state G defines a standard vanity mirrorconfiguration having a straight viewing angle for viewing reflectedimages as generally indicated by the dashed lines of FIG. 5. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the housing 62 includes a backingmember 63 which is disposed between first and second side members 70,72. With specific reference to FIG. 6, the slider mechanism 80 has beenmoved such that the handle member 82 is in the extended position E.Thus, the handle member 82 has moved from the retracted position D tothe extended position E along a path as indicated by arrow F. It iscontemplated that movement from the retracted position D to the extendedposition E may only need to be about 5 millimeters (mm) along thehousing 62 in order to provide for a curved mirror configuration H forthe flexible mirror 90. Thus, as the slider mechanism 80 moves to theextended position E, the flexible mirror 90 bows or curves outwardlyalong a path as indicated by arrow I from the housing 62. The convex orcurved configuration of the second display state H provides for a wideviewing angle as indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 6. Thus, ascoupled thereto, the flexible mirror 90 is urged outwardly to a curvedor convex position H when the slider mechanism 80 is moved to theextended position E. The curved or convex configuration H is realized asthe slider mechanism 80 acts on the flexible mirror 90 which isabuttingly coupled to second side member 72 of the housing 62. Thisabutting relationship between the flexible mirror 90 and the second sidemember 72 and slider mechanism 80 creates the convex configuration H ofthe flexible mirror 90 as the slider mechanism 80 moves inwardly in adirection as indicated by arrow F.

The flexible mirror 90 is generally comprised of an acrylic plasticouter surface 90 a, wherein the acrylic plastic outer surface 90 a is aflexible member having a reflective or mirrored surface. The outersurface 90 a of the flexible mirror 90 is lightweight and generallybreak resistant. This outer surface 90 a is generally applied to abacking layer 91 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The coupling of the outersurface 90 a and the backing layer 91 may be done with a suitableadhesive. The backing layer 91 may be comprised of a relatively thinacrylic sheet having a thickness of about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm, or apolyester film substrate, such as Mylar, having a thickness of about 1.0mm to about 1.5 mm. The thickness of the backing layer 91 can vary perapplication, and is demonstrated above for exemplary purposes only. Thebacking layer 91 provides support for the flexible mirror 90, such thatthe conversion of the flexible mirror 90 between the first and seconddisplay states G, H is controlled and steady.

According to one example, the convertible mirror assembly 60 has aviewing window size of approximately fifty millimeters (50 mm) by thirtymillimeters (30 mm). However, it should be appreciated that the size,shape and location of the convertible mirror assembly 60 on the visorbody 40 may otherwise be configured, according to further embodiments.When use of the convertible mirror assembly 60 is no longer desired, auser may simply move the slider mechanism 80 to the retracted position Dand stow the visor assembly 10. Thus, the present invention combines thefunction of both a flat vanity mirror and a convex conversation mirrorin a cassette type housing 62 which can be fitted in the rearward sideof a deployed sun visor assembly 10. The flexible mirror 90 defines aflexible mirrored surface that in one display state is flat (vanitymirror), display state G, and in another display state convex(conversation mirror), display state H. The housing 62 is shown hereinhaving a rectangular shape, although the housing 62 is not limited tosuch a rectangular configuration. It is contemplated that theconvertible mirror assembly 60 could be mounted in different supportingsubstrates, such as a headliner or the back of a front seat headrest, orany other location within a vehicle interior where a convertible mirrorassembly is desired. The present invention may also be installed in anynumber of vehicles, such as boats, buses, planes, or other passengervehicles. The upper and lower track members 66, 68 may include locatingfeatures, such that the slider mechanism 80 is securely located ineither the extended or deployed positions E, D and tactile feedback maybe provided by the locating features to the user as the slider mechanismsnaps into place. The slider mechanism 80 can be frictionallycontinuous, thereby enabling variable curvatures and viewing angles foruse with different interior cabin lengths with many rows of seats andoccupants. Further, it is contemplated that the track system 64 mayinclude a switch element that is configured to control vanity lightingdisposed on the visor assembly 10. Further, it is contemplated that thetrack system 64 and the slider mechanism 80 may include a stop feature,such that the handle 82 of the slider mechanism 80 will abut the stopfeature, such that the handle 82 does not move beyond the fully extendedposition E to a position that could potentially damage the flexiblemirror 90.

It will also be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described invention and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of theinvention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who receive this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces maybe reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structuresand/or members or connector or other elements of the system may bevaried, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided betweenthe elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/orassemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide varietyof materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of awide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, allsuch modifications are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, andomissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, andarrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present invention, and further it is to beunderstood that such concepts are intended to be covered by thefollowing claims unless these claims by their language expressly stateotherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A convertible mirror assembly for a vehiclevisor, comprising: a housing; a flexible mirror operably coupled to thehousing; a track system disposed on the housing, wherein the tracksystem includes upper and lower track members; and a slider mechanismoperably coupled to the housing along the track system and the flexiblemirror, wherein the slider mechanism is configured to move the flexiblemirror between first and second display states, wherein the flexiblemirror is substantially planar in the first display state, and furtherwherein the flexible mirror is outwardly curved in the second displaystate.
 2. The convertible mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the slidermechanism includes a handle member having upper and lower ends, theupper end slidably coupled to the upper track member and the lower endslidably coupled the lower track member.
 3. The convertible mirrorassembly of claim 2, wherein the handle member is operable betweenretracted and extended positions along the track system, and furtherwherein the flexible mirror is urged towards the second display statewhen the handle member is moved to the extended position.
 4. Theconvertible mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the flexible mirrordefines a vanity mirror in the first display state and further defines aconversation mirror in the second display state.
 5. The convertiblemirror assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a visor body having amounting aperture disposed thereon, wherein the housing is received inthe mounting aperture.
 6. The convertible mirror assembly of claim 5,wherein the visor body is operable between stowed and deployedpositions.
 7. The convertible mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein theflexible mirror includes an outer reflective surface layer and a backinglayer.
 8. A convertible mirror assembly for a vehicle visor, comprising:a visor body having first and second surfaces; a housing disposed on thesecond surface, having a track system with upper and lower trackmembers; a flexible mirror disposed within the housing; and a slidermechanism slidably supported along the track system of the housing andconfigured to move the flexible mirror between first and second displaystates within the housing, wherein the flexible mirror is curvedoutwardly from the housing in the second display state.
 9. Theconvertible mirror assembly of claim 8, further comprising: a mountingaperture disposed on the second surface, wherein the housing is receivedin the mounting aperture.
 10. The convertible mirror assembly of claim9, wherein the flexible mirror includes an outer reflective surfacelayer and a backing layer.
 11. The convertible mirror assembly of claim8, wherein the flexible mirror defines a conversation mirror when theflexible mirror is in the second display state.
 12. The convertiblemirror assembly of claim 8, wherein the slider mechanism is operablebetween retracted and extended positions along the housing track system,and further wherein the flexible mirror is urged towards the seconddisplay state when the slider mechanism is moved to the extendedposition.
 13. A convertible mirror assembly for a vehicle visor,comprising: a housing having upper and lower track members; a flexiblemirror disposed between the upper and lower track members; and a slidermechanism slidably supported on the upper and lower track members andconfigured to move the flexible mirror between first and second displaystates within the housing, wherein the flexible mirror defines aconversation mirror in the second display state.
 14. The convertiblemirror assembly of claim 13, wherein the slider mechanism includes ahandle member having upper and lower ends, the upper end slidablysupported on the upper track member and the lower end slidably supportedon the lower track member.
 15. The convertible mirror assembly of claim14, wherein the handle member is operable between retracted and extendedpositions along the housing, and further wherein the flexible mirror isurged towards the second display state when the handle member is movedto the extended position.
 16. The convertible mirror assembly of claim13, wherein the flexible mirror includes an acrylic outer reflectivesurface layer and a polymeric backing layer.
 17. The convertible mirrorassembly of claim 13, wherein the flexible mirror is substantiallyplanar in the first display state to define a vanity mirror.
 18. Theconvertible mirror assembly of claim 17, wherein the flexible mirror isconvex as defined by a spherical shaped portion that curves outwardlyfrom the housing in the second display state.